A Light Through the Darkness

Sunday, December 20

“Schrodinger, can you go and get the door, please?” Molly said, as she flipped over the French toast over on the griddle. “I think Drew’s still in the shower, and I can’t leave these.”

Of course! The CrossCat hopped down from his chair and headed to the door. She heard the door open and then he said, Pavel! Ella! Come in – Molly’s making her famous French toast!  

“Famous French toast?” Ella asked, as they followed Schrodinger back into the kitchen. “For us?”

“Well, I’m not sure how famous it is, but I think it’s pretty good,” Molly said, flashing them a grin. “Pardon my pajamas. Sunday after the Snow Queen’s ball tends to be a quiet day around here, and I just didn’t feel like getting dressed.”

That’s how you know you’re really family, Schrodinger said, climbing back into his chair. He dunked his pink tongue into his tea. Because Molly’s comfortable enough to let you see that she’s in love with flannel pajamas.

“Darn right,” Molly said, not embarrassed at all. “Flannel pajamas are amazing.” And she was quite fond of the pair she was currently wearing: they were red and green plaid, with golden swans all over them. Drew had given them to her for her birthday, and Schrodinger had given her the green socks to match.

“They look very comfortable,” Ella said, taking the seat that Pavel held out for her. “I don’t blame you at all, Molly.”

Molly flashed her and Pavel a smile. “Thank you. Tea?”

“I would love some,” Ella said. “If it’s not too much trouble.”

“I keep a kettle on in the morning, so it’s no trouble at all.” Once she was sure the French toast was set for a few moments, Molly took the copper kettle off the back burner and brought it over to the table. She and Schrodinger had set the table before they’d gone to the ball the night before with her favorite holiday china set: bone white china, covered with wreaths and holly berries. She filled the cups with hot water and asked, “What kind of tea would you like?”

“Whatever you would like to serve,” Ella said, then looked at her son as he laughed. “What?”

“Do you see that cupboard on the wall there?” Pavel said, pointing to a large wooden cabinet on the wall. “That’s full of Molly’s tea collection.”

“Really?” Ella’s eyes went wide. “All tea?”

“All tea,” Molly confirmed. She set the kettle back on the rear burner, then opened up the cabinet, showing off all the neat boxes of tea. “What do you like?”

I recommend the Earl Grey, Schrodinger said. It’s the best.

“Well, then I shall have Earl Grey,” Ella said, smiling over at the CrossCat. “I must have the best!”

“I’ll take my usual,” Pavel said, getting up to get the black tea he preferred. “Let me get everything.”

Molly turned back to the French toast, which was almost ready. “So I didn’t use my normal Texas toast for this,” she said, transferring the slices to a plate, then pulling the last set of slices from the custard next to the stove and put them on the griddle. “But I think you’ll like this just as well, Pavel.”

“What did you use?” he asked, as he brought the filled tea balls over to the table.

“Blueberry bread,” Molly said, and chuckled as she heard him suck in his breath. “And we’ve got real maple syrup from our own trees out back that Schrodinger and Drew tapped this past spring.”

“Is there anything you guys can’t do?” Pavel said, shaking his head. “I swear, you could be on a deserted island and be fine.”

That’s because Molly’s a kitchen witch. They never starve, Schrodinger said wisely. So neither will we. Unless you make her mad, of course.

“Who’s making Molly mad? And why?” Drew asked, coming downstairs.

No one, I don’t think, Schrodinger said. But I was warning Pavel not to.

“That’s a lesson I think he knows pretty well,” Drew said, winking at Pavel on his way to kiss Molly. He’d changed into jeans and a sweater that Mrs. Barrett had made him. “He’s not likely to get on her bad side.”

“Hardly,” Pavel agreed. “I have seen her mad. I would rather face sea serpents in heat in the middle of the ocean, during a raging storm, in a rowboat.”

“That’s an image,” Molly said, after returning Drew’s kiss. She handed her handsome husband the plate of French toast, and then piled the last few slices on the top of the plate. “Take that to the table, please, and I’ll follow with this.” She then opened the oven and pulled out a tray of bacon and sausage.

“This is amazing,” Ella said, looking at the food, then she smiled at her son. “I see now why you want to live here, Pavel.”

As they settled in around the table, Molly looked around her bright kitchen and sighed happily. The sun was shining in through the windows, making the wooden walls glow warmly. The big table gathered them in together over the fragrant tea and French toast, filling her heart.

“This is how I always pictured my home,” she said, putting together a plate for Schrodinger. “Full of happiness and good food.”

And it’s the best home, Schrodinger said, watching her cut up the French toast for him. I don’t ever want to leave.

“No?” Pavel said, sounding surprised. “So you won’t be traveling anymore, my friend?”

Traveling, yes, but not living elsewhere, I don’t think. Schrodinger drank a bit more tea, and then sucked a piece of sausage into his mouth. I don’t even think I’d return to the den. I’ve put down my roots here.

“What about later? Don’t you want a family of your own?” Molly asked him.

Sure. I’ll bring them back here.

That statement, in Schrodinger’s typical factual style, caught her as she was taking a drink from her tea mug, and Molly almost choked. Drew had to rescue her cup as she coughed, and Pavel pounded her on the back. Schrodinger and Ella watched in faint alarm.

Are you okay? The CrossCat asked nervously.

“I’m fine,” Molly said hoarsely, shaking her head. “I just wasn’t expecting that, that’s all.” She smiled down at Schrodinger. “I think it would be lovely for you to have a family here too.”

Not for a while, though. I haven’t met the right girl.

Molly didn’t want to ask how he planned to meet that right girl, as there weren’t that many CrossCats that came through the Cove. Then again, I have no idea how old Schrodinger actually is, and at what age they breed, she thought privately. And I have to admit, the thought of little CrossCat kittens is adorable.

They ate in silence for a while, each wrapped in their own thoughts. Then Molly said, “So, Ella, what did you think of the ball last night?”

“It was amazing!” Ella said, her blue eyes lighting up. “I had no idea that anything like that could even be possible. The woods, the room, the Snow Queen.” She sighed happily. “It is a memory I will treasure. I even learned to dance!”

“Well, Mother, if you decide to take me up on my offer, you can go every year,” Pavel said.

“I know.” Ella smiled at him, the light fading from her eyes. “But I’m just not sure, dear heart. The Cove is much bigger than I’m used to. And I do love my home.”

“But why?” Pavel asked her, setting his fork down. “Why would you want to return to that place, with all its memories?”

“Because they are my memories, my son,” Ella said gently. “And not all of them are bad.” She looked down at her plate. “You were born there. I met your father there.”

“My father, who abandoned us,” he reminded her.

“Your father, who gave me you,” she said.

Pavel sighed. “I know, I know,” he said. “But my grandfather was there.”

“Pavel, it’s not always easy to leave your home,” Molly said, reaching over to lay her hand on his. “It’s a big decision.”

“I know,” he repeated. “And I will respect your decision, Mother. But I am buying the house here.”

Yay! Schrodinger said, bouncing in his chair, and Molly grabbed his plate before his paws landed in it. We’ll have a full-time Pavel!

“Well, when I’m not at sea, yes,” Pavel told him, chuckling. “As you said, this is where I want to set my roots down. Although I think there will not be a wife in my future.”

“You never know,” Molly teased. “I’m sure if nothing else, Lily would love to marry you.”

“Her father might not like that, though,” Drew said thoughtfully.

“True,” Molly said. She laughed at the look on Pavel’s face.

“Some day, you will meet a good girl,” Ella said placidly, picking up a piece of bacon. “I know.”

“We’ll see, Mother, we’ll see.” Pavel looked at Molly and Drew. “Considering the example Molly and Drew have set, she’ll have to meet a high standard.” He pushed his plate back and said, “And she’ll have to be able to cook.”

“That’s good, considering what you consider cooking,” his mother said tartly. She winked at Molly. “Maybe I should move here just to make sure you aren’t living in this kitchen.”

“He’ll just have to do chores to pay for his keep,” Molly said, grinning. “I can find all sorts of things for him to do, especially this week.”

“Why, are you especially busy this week?” Ella asked her.

“Well, it’s the week before Christmas,” Molly said. “The bookstore will be busy, and I usually make a bunch of stuff for our Christmas dinner as well. But honestly, no busier than usual.”

Ella looked at Pavel. “Then maybe this isn’t a good idea.”

“What?” Drew asked, looking at the two of them. “What idea?”

Pavel said, “Mother and I talked last night on our way home from the Ball, and,” he paused, toying with his fork as he apparently collected his thoughts, “we’ve decided to go to my grandmother’s this week.”

Molly, Drew, and Schrodinger all gaped at him. After everything they’d heard in the past month, the quiet admission was stunning.

“And we were hoping that you would come with us,” Ella said, looking at them. “As moral support.”

Of course we will! Schrodinger recovered first, and he looked at Molly and Drew. At least for some of it, right? We have to be home for Christmas Day, because we’re hosting it here. But we could go for some of it.

“It’s not usually too busy after the Snow Queen’s Ball, and I’m sure I could convince Mal to let me have some time off,” Drew said, after thinking about it for a few minutes. He looked at his wife. “We could have Nathan and Corrine come Christmas Eve, and set everything up…”

Molly looked from Drew to Schrodinger, and then over to Pavel and Ella. All four of them were looking hopefully at her.

“Let me talk to Aunt Margie,” she said slowly. “I think we can do it, but I don’t want to promise anything without talking to her, and to Corrine.” She looked at Pavel. “Do you think we could be back for Christmas Day?”

“I was thinking Christmas Eve, actually,” he said. “I know how important your family is to you, Molly, and what I’m asking.”

“What we’re asking,” his mother corrected. “It’s a lot, Molly, and if you feel you can’t…”

“I don’t want to say that,” Molly said, getting up. “But I can’t make a decision yet, without talking to them. Let me make some phone calls.”

It took some time, and a little bit of wrangling (Mal was more disappointed than either Aunt Margie or Corinne, and Molly had to promise him a full basket of her turkey cranberry scones), but eventually, everything was set. Molly threw them all out of the house, telling them that if they wanted to leave tomorrow, she had to cook.

Before he left, Pavel gave Molly a hug. “Thank you,” he murmured. “It’s time for my biological family to meet my chosen family. It wouldn’t be right to go to see my grandmother without you, Drew, and Schrodinger.”

“Oh Pavel,” she said, hugging him back. “I’m so glad we’re able to do this with you.”

He winked at her on the way out. “And just think of the fun we’ll have.”

Molly shook her head. “That’s what I’m afraid of.”

Originally published at The words of Valerie Griswold-Ford. You can comment here or there.

Friday, December 18

“So let me get this straight,” Doug said, looking faintly skeptical. He, Tim, and Molly were at one of the small tables in the tea room at CrossWinds Books, enjoying the warmth of the wood stove as the afternoon inched on. It was a drowsy sort of day, with softly-falling snow shushing against the windows, and only a few people had ventured out. In fact, Molly realized, looking around, other than her family, the only other people in the tea room were the Dorrs, seated at their customary table. Mr. Dorr was reading quietly to his wife, who was knitting something purple.

Probably an afghan for Lee-Ann, she thought, watching the silver needles flicker. That’s definitely Lee-Ann’s color.

Mrs. Dorr, apparently feeling eyes upon her, looked up and smiled at Molly, who smiled back.

Or it’s for the kittens, Schrodinger said sleepily. He was curled up on his large cat bed with Ryan, who was fast asleep, one chubby hand curled under his cheek, the other holding on to the CrossCat’s leg. The entire picture was too cute for Molly, who smiled to see her friend doubling as a pillow.

Doug touched her on the arm and Molly jumped a bit. “Did you hear me?” he asked.

“No, sorry, I got distracted by how stinking cute your kid is right now,” Molly admitted. “What did you ask again?”

“Entirely okay, he’s adorable,” Doug agreed. “We already sent a picture to Mom, who probably has plastered it all over Facebook. But I asked if the entire town shuts down for the ball?”

“Pretty much,” Molly said, nodding. “Even the restaurants close. Everyone’s going to be at the ballroom, with the exception of the emergency services folks, and even they rotate in and out.”

It’s THE event of the social season, Schrodinger added. Especially since everyone wants to see what Jade and Jack have been planning for this year.

“And Old Man Winter,” Molly added. “He stopped by Wednesday and said that he was going to be there, because he was bummed that Lily and Zoey weren’t coming this year.”

They aren’t? Schrodinger said, raising his head and blinking. Why not?

“They’re babysitting for Kaylee and Ryan, remember?” Molly said. “They asked if you wanted to stay with them.”

Oh, right. Schrodinger sighed. I would, but I really, really love the ball.

“They’ll babysit again, and you can help then,” Molly assured him.

“Are you sure that your brother and sister-in-law are okay taking Ryan?” Tim asked. “I’d hate to put them out.”

“They wouldn’t have offered if they weren’t okay with it,” Molly said. “They’re looking forward to the night. And it means you guys can go.”

“For a ball in the middle of the forest.” Doug shook his head, still skeptical. “I can’t wrap my head around it.”

“I’m more impressed by the fact that she’s on a first-name basis with the spirits of winter and fall, personally,” his husband said, chuckling. “This is such a weird town.”

“It’s the same place that Drew and I got married in,” Molly said. “Which, yeah, is in the middle of the forest, but it’s magic. Doug, you grew up with Phoebe around – how can you not be that used to magic?”

“True,” he said. “But I dunno – Phoebe was just Phoebe. She was so much a part of our lives that we didn’t really question it.”

Because you met her as a child. Children accept magic easier, especially if you get them when they’re small. Schrodinger shifted just a bit under Ryan. Your son will never know anything other than magic. Think of what he will take in stride.

“Which is why I’m so happy to be here,” Tim said. “I wonder what my childhood might have been like if I’d grown up in a CrossRoads town.”

“It still depends on the town,” Doug said. “Marionville is not as saturated as Carter’s Cove is.”

“Probably because we’re more of a trade town, especially with the harbor,” Molly said.

“It’s more than that, actually, dear,” Mrs. Dorr said. “I’m sorry to interrupt.”

“Not at all!” Molly said, smiling. “You know more about the town than almost anyone else here.” She turned back to Doug and Tim. “Mrs. Dorr and her husband have been all over, even more than most.”

“That’s because we’re retired, my dear. It gives us something to do and keeps us young.” Mrs. Dorr smiled at all of them. “But the big reason that the Cove is more magical is because of who borders the town.”

“What do you mean?” Doug asked, leaning forward.

“You know how every CrossRoads town has metaphysical borders with several other Realms, right?” Mrs. Dorr said, setting her knitting down for a moment. They nodded. “Well, not all of those Realms are necessarily magical. In the case of Carter’s Cove, however, almost every other Realm that touches upon it is at least partially magically active. So all those different magical energies flow and eddy here in the Cove, and make this place more magically active than most. That’s why so many children born here have magical gifts.”

“We need to have another child,” Tim said, looking at his husband. “I want to see what we can come up with.”

Doug laughed. “You say that now,” he said. “Let’s at least get through the terrible twos with the one we have before we have another.” He winked at Molly. “Beside, I want to see how Molly and Drew’s family turns out first.”

“Do you know something I don’t?” Molly asked him, raising an eyebrow.

“Not yet,” he grinned. “But I’m pretty certain you guys will have a baby before we do another one.”

Mrs. Dorr smiled at Ryan. “He’s young enough to soak up the magical energy. You might get him developing gifts, you know.”

Both Tim and Doug looked surprised. “Really?” Doug asked.

“Yes.” She nodded. “I’ve seen it happen before.” She looked over at her husband, who had put a bookmark into his book, and was getting up to get his coat on. “Is it that time already?”

Mr. Dorr smiled. “Only if you want to stop and see Lee-Ann and Jeff before we go home,” he reminded her. “And we need to stop at the grocery store.”

“Right.” Mrs. Dorr gathered up her things as well. “We’ll see you all tomorrow night,” she said, and they headed out into the snow.

“So everyone really does go to this ball,” Doug said, watching them go. “I wouldn’t believe it.”

“Marionville didn’t have anything like that?” Molly asked him. “Really?”

“Not really,” he said. “I guess the closest thing would have been the Homecoming game and party, but it’s not a fancy ball.”

“They weren’t really into fancy anything in Marionville,” Tim added, chuckling a little. “I don’t think you would find anyone who wanted to dress up that much.”

“True,” Doug admitted. “We’re kind of informal.”

“Well, tomorrow night will not be informal,” Molly said, reaching over and warming up the tea pot with a bit of her magic. She didn’t normally do that, but she was disinclined to get up. “It’s a black tie affair.” She eyed them both. “And no, I won’t tell you what I’m wearing, even though I know Drew asked you.”

“So instead, tell us what to expect tomorrow night,” Doug said. He offered his cup as she poured more tea into her mug. “Because I’m a little worried, to be honest.”

“Why?” Molly shrugged. “Everyone gets dressed up in their prettiest clothes, and goes to dance.”

“Somehow, I doubt it’s the Top 40, though,” Tim said. “Is it?”

“No,” Molly said, giggling at the thought of a DJ at the Snow Queen’s Ball. “There’s live music. Last year, she had a string quartet, but I don’t know what they have planned this year. It changes.” She leaned back in her chair, cradling the warm mug of tea in her hands. “The dancing is all over the place, though. There are slow dances, and fast dances – all different kinds of music, although I will admit that there are more slow couples’ dances.”

Don’t forget the last dance, Schrodinger said. That’s always the best.

“The last dance is a Cinderella dance,” Molly agreed.

“What, we all take off one shoe and dance like that?” Doug asked.

“No, silly.” Molly laughed at him. “The women all take off a shoe, and we put them in a large pile in the middle of the room. Then the guys go and choose a shoe at random.”

Everyone does it, even the Snow Queen, Schrodinger added. And if something special is going to happen, it’s usually then.

“Yes,” Molly said. “Even Jade puts her shoe in. And it’s always danced to the Christmas Waltz.”

“What do you mean, if something special is going to happen?” Doug said.

“Well, there’s been engagements,” Molly said, thinking back. “And we’ve saved the Cove a couple of times.” She laughed at the look on her cousins’ faces. “Seriously!”

“How?” Doug asked.

“Well, last year, we got the Snow Queen and Jack Frost together,” Molly said. “That saved her life, and the life of the Cove.”

And three years ago, Molly stopped Old Man Winter from destroying the Cove by blowing up the Gates, Schrodinger said. That was the year Drew was kidnapped.

“Yes, but I had help,” Molly said. “Oh, and two years ago, Lily and Zoey went to the Ball! And had a wonderful time.” She didn’t want to remember the fire that had destroyed Zoey’s home while they were all dancing. After all, Santa had fixed that too.

Tim and Doug were staring at her, slightly open-mouthed.

“What?” she asked, startled.

“You’re serious,” Doug said, and it wasn’t a question. “You’re really serious.”

“Yes,” she said. “It all happened.”

Doug turned to his husband. “And she says it so casually,” he said, shaking his head. “She’s managed to save her town at least twice, and she just dismisses it.”

That’s part of her charm, Schrodinger said. She’s modest.

“I had help,” Molly felt required to point out. “It wasn’t just me. Lily helped win over Old Man Winter, and Jack really made changes to show Jade that he could be the partner she needed him to be.”

But you started it all, Molly. They wouldn’t have been able to do it without you.

She blushed and hastily changed the subject. “So yeah, now you see why it’s such a big deal,” she said. “And honestly, the more people who go, the better.”

“Why?” Tim asked her.

“Because there are protections on the Cove, and the Ball helps keep them charged,” Molly told him. “Jack and Jade started it back with the founding of the Cove.”

“Wow.” Doug leaned back in his chair, pondering that. “Amazing.”

“I am so glad we moved here,” Tim said. “I just wish…” His voice trailed off, and Molly reached out for his hand comfortingly.

“I’m sorry,” she said quietly. “Have you heard anything?”

He shook his head. “Not that I expected to, but I’d hoped.” He sighed and squared his shoulders. “Oh well.”

Originally published at The words of Valerie Griswold-Ford. You can comment here or there.

Wednesday, December 16

“Hey, Molly, got a minute?”

Tim ducked his head through the open kitchen door, a quizzical look on his face.

“Absolutely!” Molly said, waving him in. “Come on in!”

He came in and shed his coat, along with a large amount of snow. “Sorry about that,” he said. “I thought I’d brushed it all off.”

“No worries,” Molly told him. “It’s December in Maine. We’re used to snow.” She grinned. “Take a seat and have some tea with me. Did you eat lunch?”

“I grabbed some crackers and peanut butter while I was finishing up a project,” Tim admitted, flushing a little. “Does that count?”

“No,” Molly said. She went to the pantry and got a mug, calling out, “What kind of tea would you like?”

“Something black and fruity,” he said, and she reached for the black spiced pear that she’d gotten earlier in the month from one of her favorite vendors. It would go perfectly with a grilled cheese sandwich, especially if she pulled out some of the apple-walnut-raisin compote that her mother had made to put in said sandwich.

“Try this,” she said when she came back out, handing him the mug (after filling it with hot water, of course). Then Molly went to the bread box and pulled out a loaf of soft rye bread she’d made that morning, and cut six slices off.

“I’m flattered, but do you think I’m that in need of fattening?” Tim said, looking at the stack of bread.

“Schrodinger and I haven’t had lunch either,” she admitted. “We just finished the lunch rush, so I was about to make us sandwiches.”

“Gotcha.” He watched as she pulled out the jar of compote, a package of fontina cheese, and some of the soft butter from one of the farms on the outskirts of town. “So what are we having?”

“Just grilled cheese,” Molly said.

“I have yet to have anything that’s come out of your kitchen that I would describe as ‘just’ anything,” Tim said a little skeptically. “And since when do you put jam on a grilled cheese?”

“Since it’s my mother’s famous compote,” Molly said, and then called out, “Schrodinger, you hungry?”

Yes, the CrossCat said, coming into the kitchen and hopping up on another one of the stools. And I smell a new tea!

“It’s the pear tea that Jay brought on her way through at the end of November,” Molly said. “When she stopped in to bring Aunt Margie the new books.”

Interesting. Can I smell it closer?

Tim pushed the mug towards Schrodinger, who sniffed it delicately. “It’s got a good flavor, if you like spice,” he said.

I’m not sure. I think I’ll take my usual. But thank you!

Molly had already put a large mug of Earl Grey in front of him, then turned back to the sandwiches that were on her griddle. “I thought you might say that,” she said. “You’re not usually a fruity-tea sort of person.”

No, but sometimes I like to walk on the wild side.

“Fruit tea is the wild side?” Tim said.
I lead a quiet life, Schrodinger allowed, and both Molly and Tim stifled laughs. What? I do! Cats prefer a quiet life.

“I hate to break it to you, Schrodinger, but Carter’s Cove does not qualify as quiet,” Tim said. “Quiet does not include telepathic animals, Spirits of any season, or Gates that go to other worlds, believe it or not.” He cupped the warm mug of tea in his hands. “I can’t think of another place I’d like to be, though. This is a special town.”

On that, we can agree, Schrodinger told him. Then the CrossCat tilted his head. You didn’t grow up in a CrossRoads town.

“No. I’d never even heard of a Gate before I met Doug,” Tim said.

How is that possible that you never even heard of them?

“My hometown is a little place, smaller even than some of the communities around here,” Tim said. “It’s very insular, and very religious, and not in a good way. Anything that is ‘different’ is anathema.”

“Which is why you left, I’m guessing,” Molly said, bringing over plates of sandwiches.

“Which is why I left,” Tim agreed. He set down his mug and picked up one of the halves of sandwiches, taking a bite and groaning in pleasure. “And this is why I’ll never leave.”

Molly laughed. “Doug probably won’t be happy if you throw him over for a grilled cheese sandwich, you know,” she teased.

“He’ll understand when he has one of these,” Tim said. “He’ll totally understand.”

After they finished the sandwiches, Molly refreshed their tea mugs and said, “I’ll bet you’re here to pick up that gingerbread house you asked me to make.”

“Are you a mind reader too?” Tim teased her, grinning.

“Well, since I’m assuming it’s for Doug, and he’s still at the school, and you’re here…” She let the end of her sentence trail off.

“Actually, I’m sending it to my parents,” Tim said, and Molly blinked.

“I thought you didn’t speak to them?”

“I don’t, but I’m thinking that it’s time someone dragged them into the 21st century.” Tim shook his head. “I know it’s probably a long shot, but I don’t want to go through life knowing that I could have reached out, and didn’t. And who knows? Maybe they’ll actually try and change.”

“It’s definitely worth a shot,” Molly said, touching his arm gently. “Let me get the house.”

She brought out the little cottage she’d made for him. It was a twin of the Cape that he and Doug had bought when they moved out to the Cove: a small red house, with lights hung around the edges of the roof and a little red mailbox outside that said “The Mathewsons” in script. There was a snowman that waved from near the front door, and Molly had even put a wreath exactly like the one they had given the couple over Thanksgiving.

“Oh, Molly, it’s perfect,” Tim said, drinking in the sight of the sculpture. “Look, you even put the hat and scarf we found at the Goodwill on the snowman!”

“Of course!” Molly said, remembering helping him and Doug make the snowman, while Ryan played in the snow. “And if you look, the snowman’s nose has a bite taken out of it.”

Because that’s what Ryan had done – and they’d decided to use the carrot anyways. Tim’s eyes went misty with tears.

“Thank you,” he said. “Even if they hate it, I love it.”

Molly put her hand lightly on the cottage roof and closed her eyes. Invoking her special gift, she made sure that the house would arrive at its destination perfect as it was now. “If you tell Marilyn at the post office that it’s traveling far, she’ll package it safely.” Molly put it in a cardboard box and handed it to him as he put his coat back on.

“Thank you again,” Tim said. “I’ll go now.” And he went out of the kitchen, cradling the precious box in his arms.

Why do people get so upset at who someone loves? Schrodinger asked her.

“I don’t know,” Molly said. “I really don’t know.”

They finished their tea in silence, and then he went out for a nap next to the wood stove. Molly took advantage of the quiet to do some planning for the January menus, which was how Pavel found her when he poked his head in.

“Tea?” she offered, and he shook his head.

“I’m only in for a minute or two,” Pavel said. “Mother sent me into town to get her a few things, and I stopped by the Station, so I’m running late.”

“Then why are you still here?” Molly asked. “Shouldn’t you be heading home?”

“I will, once I ask if you had plans for tomorrow,” Pavel said, grinning. “Or can I steal your husband from you?”

“I didn’t have any plans,” Molly said, after thinking for a few minutes. “Just doing some holiday baking, probably. Why don’t you bring your mother over when you pick Drew up, and then you two can go do the Christmas shopping that I know he hasn’t done yet?”

“This would be why I don’t want a wife,” Pavel said. “How did you know that’s what we were planning?”

“Because I know my husband.” Molly winked at him. “Did he also ask you to find out what color dress I was wearing to the Snow Queen’s ball?”

Pavel flushed, and Molly laughed. “I knew he was desperate, but that’s pretty low,” she said, when she was able to stop her giggles. “Tell him I’m wearing our wedding colors. That’s the only clue he gets. And no, Schrodinger won’t tell you, or him.”

“You can’t blame me for trying, and I never admitted to anything,” Pavel said, trying to salvage his dignity. “But I’ll pass along the information.”

“You and your mother are coming, right?” Molly said.

“Of course. I wouldn’t want to miss it. Although I think dress shopping with her scarred me for life.” Pavel shook his head. “I can’t imagine how you women do that.”

“It’s the price we pay to look good for you guys,” Molly said.

“Point.” Pavel looked as if he was about to say something else, but decided not to. “I’ll see you guys tomorrow then, and I promise to tell Drew that he needs to ask his own questions from now on.” Then something seemed to occur to him. “Why didn’t he just look in your closet?”

“Because the dress isn’t there.” Molly looked a bit smug. “It’s at Lai’s.”

Pavel laughed. “You two are hysterical, you know that, right?”

“Hey, we need something to spice up our lives.”

Originally published at The words of Valerie Griswold-Ford. You can comment here or there.

Monday, December 14

Molly, it’s really snowing! Schrodinger danced in the softly-falling flakes, the bells on his Christmas collar jingling in the night air. Molly laughed as she turned from locking the front door of CrossWinds Books.

“Well, Pavel did say he had a very good tip that it was going to be a lovely night for a sleigh ride, remember?” she said, turning up the collar of her coat. She lifted her face to the sky, enjoying the feather-light kiss of the fluffy snowflakes as they fell around her. “And this is perfect. I hope Ella loves her sleigh ride.”

I wish WE were going on a sleigh ride, Schrodinger said mournfully. He opened his mouth wide, snapping snowflakes out of the air.

She winked at him. “Who says we aren’t?”

At that, the sound of sleigh bells filled the air, and Schrodinger’s eyes widened as a sleigh with two large reindeer came around the corner. Lisa Cohen and her husband Neil were in the driver’s seat, and as they pulled up to the bookstore, Lisa said, “Hey, Molly! Hi, Schrodinger! Want to go for a ride with us?”

Absolutely! Schrodinger said, jumping up into the sleigh. Drew!

“Hi, Schrodinger!” Drew said, opening up the blankets he was snuggled under so that Molly and Schrodinger could join him. “Ready to go look at the lights?”

This is awesome! Schrodinger said, maneuvering himself so that he could stay warm but still see everything. That meant that he was half-in and half-out of Drew’s lap. Molly grinned at her husband, who winced a bit until he managed to move the CrossCat to a more comfortable position.

“Everyone settled?” Neil asked. Upon gaining an assent from everyone, he chirruped to the reindeer, shook the reins, and they were off.

“How was your day?” Molly asked Drew, as the smell of snow and salt water rushed past them.

“Not bad. The Harbormaster came up to talk to Mal, so I got a chance to talk to him, which is always interesting.” Drew put an arm around Molly, pulling her closer to him, and she happily snuggled up next to him.

Look, it’s Pavel’s sleigh! Schrodinger said, wiggling excitedly. With Pavel and Ella!

Indeed, the reindeer, which were moving at a good clip in the snow, soon overtook the black horses that were pulling Pavel’s sleigh. Inside the other sleigh, Pavel and his mother were also snuggled under a massive pile of furs. Ella waved to them, her face alight with happiness, and Molly’s heart warmed. Then Pavel’s driver turned down another road, diverging from the main road, and they were gone.

“I’m so glad he was able to reconnect with her,” Molly said to Drew, who nodded. “I just wish he could do the same with his grandmother.”

He sounds so unhappy when his mother brought up visiting her, though, Schrodinger said, turning to look at her. Why would you wish him more unhappiness?

“Because I think he would be happier once he realized what kind of person she really is,” Molly said. “Remember, he’s never actually met her. He just knows about her from his grandfather.”

“And interestingly enough, I got a chance to talk to the Harbormaster about Pavel’s grandmother,” Drew said. “Did you know she actually came to the Cove a few times?”

Really? Schrodinger’s ears perked up.

“Do tell,” Molly added, intrigued. “What did the Harbormaster say?”

The current Harbormaster for Carter’s Cove was an old, wizened man of indeterminate heritage and race. He’d been Harbormaster for generations, and Molly had often wondered if he was a spirit himself, although he’d never said, and she’d never ask. He was gentle and kind, but did not speak about himself, ever. She wasn’t even sure if he had a name of his own; if he did, she’d never heard it, and didn’t know anyone else who had. He was just the Harbormaster.

“Well, apparently Captain Brynna Stromsdottir is quite the woman,” Drew said. “The Harbormaster said she’d come through every so often, with her ship. He’d met Pavel’s grandfather too, and gave me some information on him too.” Drew grimaced. “He wasn’t as complementary about him as he was about Brynna.”

Why not? Schrodinger asked.

“Because apparently he wasn’t a very good man,” Drew said. “The Harbormaster called him a competent sailor, but a lousy captain, and very jealous of his wife. But he said that it was clear Pavel was Brynna’s grandson – her crew was devoted to her, and she to them.”

“Interesting,” Molly said.

“It gets better,” Drew said. “There was an accident in the harbor one day – Pavel’s grandfather’s ship was hit by another ship. Several of the crew died, and Wilhelm, Pavel’s grandfather, was injured so badly that he couldn’t go back to sea ever again. He blamed Brynna for it, although from what the Harbormaster said, she had nothing to do with it.”

Was it her ship? Schrodinger suggested.

“No, apparently she wasn’t even in port at the time,” Drew said.

“Maybe that was why,” Molly said thoughtfully. “He sounds like the type of person who wanted his family near him, and if she wasn’t even there–”

Then maybe he blamed her because she left him, and he thought she should have been there for him? Schrodinger finished. That doesn’t make him sound as evil as the other stories do. That makes me feel better.

“Because there’s a reason he was unhappy?” Molly asked him.

Because evil is a horrible thing to be, Schrodinger said. It’s soulless, and to think that someone related to a good person like Pavel could just be evil is awful. If he was angry because he thought he’d been abandoned, then I can understand that.

“Doesn’t make his actions any better, though, just because we understand them,” Drew said somberly. “And from what the Harbormaster said, the accident might have been Wilhelm’s fault, although since it didn’t happen here, he didn’t know all the details.”

“And it grounded him,” Molly said. “So not only was he not able to go to the sea again, but he was possibly responsible for the accident. And the death of some of his sailors.” She shook her head. “I think, given that set of circumstances, that I might become bitter and angry too.”

“I can’t imagine you bitter,” Drew said. “Angry, yes, but not bitter.”

“We haven’t had a chance to be bitter,” she said, laying her head against his shoulder again. “Not yet.”

“I hope we never do,” Drew agreed, hugging her.

They passed the rest of the ride in silence, looking at the beautiful lights that decorated Carter’s Cove. Christmas in the Cove was a big deal, and many people decided to go all out in their decorating. The Gate Station had chosen to do an international theme for their decorating, and the techs had set up large snow sculptures that were lit with magical lights. There was a Nativity scene, with the Wise Men offering their presents to the baby Jesus, but there was also a scene of Santas dancing with bells that actually moved (Molly had no idea how they’d done it, and Drew refused to tell them), as well as wooden shoes left at a flickering fireplace. Children in all different outfits stood around a large Christmas tree, and Molly could hear the strains of carols as they went by.

Can we go by Zoey’s house? Schrodinger called up to Lisa.

“Of course!” Lisa replied, and Neil obligingly turned up the road.
Since they had first set up the lights for Zoey and her family two years ago, the display had grown even more. This year, Schrodinger squealed in happiness as he saw the new addition: somehow, the family had found someone to make them a CrossCat in lights, and it was perched in the sleigh with the presents. Molly made a mental note to ask Donna, Zoey’s mother, where they had gotten it, so she could get one.

Finally, Lisa and Neil brought them back to the Bookstore and dropped them off. “Thank you so much!” Molly said, waving to them as the couple drove off, the reindeer’s bells jingling through the falling snow. Lisa waved back, grinning.

“Want to drop me at the Station?” Drew said. “I left my truck there, and I need to be at work soon.”

“I suppose.” Molly hugged him. “I wish you could come home with us instead.”

“Soon,” Drew promised her. “It’s a short shift tonight.”

After they dropped Drew off, Molly and Schrodinger drove home, listening to the Christmas carols that WCOV was playing. Molly noticed how quiet the CrossCat was.

“What’s wrong, Schrodinger?”

I’m still thinking about Pavel’s grandparents, Schrodinger admitted, putting his head on his paws. How sad the family must have been, and how there was really nothing that anyone could do to make it better.

“Well, that’s true,” Molly said. “But now, with his grandfather gone, and hopefully not in pain any more, I think maybe his family can begin to move on.” She glanced over at him as they sat at a stop sign. “And he’ll always have us.”

Yes, Schrodinger agreed, brightening. And his mother is ready to be happy.

“Yes, she is.” Molly remembered the smile on Ella’s face. “I think she really is.”

Originally published at The words of Valerie Griswold-Ford. You can comment here or there.

Saturday, December 12

“You know, pacing around my office is not going to make time go any faster,” Drew said, as Pavel made yet another circuit around the small room. “And you’re driving me nuts.”

“I’m sorry.” Pavel flopped gracelessly into the chair opposite Drew’s desk. “I just…I haven’t really seen her in years, except for the funeral, and that wasn’t really a social occasion.” He sighed. “And I’m wondering if this was a good idea.”

Drew keyed in the last set of equations that he needed to enter, then ran the coordinates and closed down the screen. “Come on,” he said, getting up. “Let’s get out of here for a while.”

“But–”

“Her Gate isn’t going to open for another 30 minutes,” Drew interrupted, reaching out a hand to pull Pavel up from the chair. “And if anything, the Gates are running slow today, because of the weather in Isenthorpe. That damn hurricane is screwing Gates all over the eastern coast. We know she made it to the Gate on Holland’s Island, and that she’s on the Road here. So come on, before you drive me up a wall.”

He led Pavel out into the Gate room itself. The main room that housed Carter’s Cove’s land Gate looked like an indoor greenhouse to the uninitiated: a lush green lawn carpeted the ground, and there were plants everywhere, all thriving in the heat the Gate produced. Drew loved being in the Gate room. The air itself smelled of life, water, and dirt, not machinery. Next to the smells that came out of Molly’s kitchen, it was what he pictured Heaven would smell like.

Today, however, he wanted to go to a specific corner of the Gate room. “Come on,” he said, leading Pavel to one of the corners. This one faced south, getting light all day, and Drew had built a small raised bed.

“What is this?” Pavel asked, squatting down to look at the plants that raised tender leaves to the sky.

“Everyone who works at the Station has the option to claim a plot of the Gate room for a bed,” Drew told him. “This one is mine.” He reached down and pulled out a small weed. “I’ve been growing herbs for Molly, among other things.”

“I didn’t realize you were a farmer,” Pavel said, running his fingers along a fragrant basil plant.

“I wasn’t, for a long time,” Drew admitted. “My grandfather, not the one that Phoebe married, but my mother’s father, he had a large farm, and we used to spend summers there when I was a kid.” He smiled, remembering. “He taught me how to drive the tractor the year I was eight. I felt like such a grown-up.”

“What did he grow?”

“Corn, and wheat,” Drew said. “And he had a garden as well, to feed his family. I spent my summer days fishing and pulling weeds.” He let some of the rich soil trickle through his fingers, testing the dampness. “It taught me a lot about life.”

“I’m surprised there aren’t more beds here,” Pavel said, standing up and looking around. “Are you the only one?”

“For the moment,” Drew said. “Heidi planted fig trees on her spot, and Steve planted lemons. Most folks went for trees, honestly.” He grinned and stood up as well. “I happen to have married a kitchen witch with a black thumb, though, so I decided to grow things she could use.”

“Makes sense,” Pavel agreed. “Show me a bit more?”

Drew was happy to. As they ambled through the Gate room, Drew pointed out the various plants and trees, all the while keeping a mental note on the Gate. It was a special gift that Gate engineers had, a way of feeling when the Roads had someone on them, and when the Gates were about to fire up.

They ended up near the stone arch that was the Gate itself just as the stones began to vibrate, a low hum that he could feel in his bones. Pavel looked up sharply, and pulled nervously on his shirt.

“Will you cut that out?” Drew said, rolling his eyes. “It’s your mother, not the Queen of England.”

“I’d rather deal with the Queen of England. I could seduce her,” Pavel retorted, and Drew chuckled.

The Gate lit up, and Luke, who was manning the boards, called out, “Road from Holland’s Island incoming. Clear the path, folks!”

The last was aimed at the other two techs, who were still doing something with the Gate arch, and Drew shook his head. Both techs were new, coming in to help with the holiday rush that was coming, and both were green as the basil in his little raised bed. “Was I ever that clueless?” he whispered to Pavel.

“Yes, but we fished you out of the ocean anyways,” Pavel whispered back, and Drew snickered. “I knew we were saving you for someone.”

The Gate burst into life, and the grass in front of it transformed, hardened into something akin to stone as the Road connected in. Hooves clattered along the hard surface, and Drew blinked at what came through.

A cart, which he’d been expecting, but not drawn by horses. Instead, two immense woolly rams trudged into the Gate room, their heads surmounted by two massively curled horns. The driver was an average man, dressed in a heavy canvas coat, with a knit hat crammed low over his eyes. He pulled the reins, stopping the two rams, who bleated a bit. Pavel was already moving to the back of the cart, reaching up to help the lone passenger step down.

“Hei, Pavel!” she said, in a surprisingly rich contralto voice that contrasted with her weathered skin and serviceable coat, a canvas one much like the driver wore. “You look tired!”

“I’m always tired, Mother,” Pavel told her, kissing her cheek as he helped her step on to the grass. “It comes from being in charge.”

“You should let your first mate take some of the stress,” she said, her dark eyes looking over him critically. “That’s what first mates are for.” When he started to say something, she said, “Don’t, Pavel. I may not be made for the sea, but I come from a long line of captains. I know how they work.” She turned then and looked at Drew, who was still standing to one side. “Are you the customs man?”

“No, Mother, this is the Gate engineer,” Pavel said, as she dug in her bag for her passport. “You don’t need that yet. This is my friend Drew. Drew, this is my mother, Ella Chekhov.”

“It’s good to finally meet you, Mrs. Chekhov,” Drew said, taking her hand and smiling.

“Ah, you are the Drew he was telling me about at the funeral!” Ella Chekhov smiled up at him, her thin fingers gripping his hand in a surprisingly warm grasp. “It is good to meet you!”

“I have so many people I want you to meet here,” Pavel said, as he picked up her suitcase, and paid the driver, who clucked at the rams and began to pull away in a large circle, preparing to go back through the Gate. “This is a good place, you will see.”

Ella looked around her with wonder. “This is amazing,” she murmured. “So much green, in the middle of winter. I haven’t seen this much green ever, except in the fields during the summer. And even then, not this much.” She looked up at Pavel. “You aren’t bringing me to the ship, are you?”

“No, I promise you.” Pavel tucked her arm under his and picked up her suitcase with his free hand. “I have rented a house.”

“How will you survive without the waves beneath your feet?” she asked shrewdly, and Drew tried to hide his smile. Pavel had said his mother was a quiet woman, but now that her father was no longer there to inhibit her, it was apparent where the pirate captain had gotten his spirit from.

“We must all make sacrifices,” Pavel said, winking over her head at Drew. “And Drew and his lovely wife Molly have invited us to dinner on Tuesday.”

“Molly! I cannot wait to meet her!” Ella smiled up at Drew. “Pavel was full of tales of her wizardry in the kitchen, and I cannot wait to try her food.”

“You won’t have to wait,” Drew told her. “She’s left you dinner in the house that Pavel rented.”

“So you won’t have to experience my cooking,” Pavel added.

“As if you would cook,” Ella said.

“As if you would let me,” Pavel replied. “And anyways, you’ll meet Molly tomorrow. We’re going to a concert at the bookstore where she works.”

Drew followed them out as Pavel continued to explain what the plans were, grinning as Ella interjected every chance she got. This was definitely going to be an interesting couple of weeks.

He hoped Pavel would survive it.

Originally published at The words of Valerie Griswold-Ford. You can comment here or there.

Thursday, December 10

What are you doing? Schrodinger asked, coming into the kitchen.

“Writing out the Christmas cards I bought last month.” Molly got up and shook her head. “Or I would be, if I could remember where I put them.” She sighed. “I swear, I’m losing my mind.”

I can help look, Schrodinger told her, switching his tail back and forth. Do you remember what else you bought?

She closed her eyes and thought for a moment. “We bought them at that craft fair in Portland,” she said finally. “The same one we found those adorable aprons for Lily and Zoey at.”

I remember that one! He bounced a little. We got the wreaths there too!

“That’s right! And I put the wreaths in that room that might one day be a guest room, but just has crap in it now.” She grinned at him. “Which is probably where the aprons and cards are. Shall we go look?”

Let’s! He suited actions to words and bounded out of the kitchen ahead of her. Come on!

“I’m coming!” Molly laughed as she followed him up the winding staircase. It was a gorgeous centerpiece of the hallway, and one of the things that had sold her and Drew on the house. That, and the fact that there were enough bedrooms for any and all children they may have.

Schrodinger darted ahead of her, leading her to the room they had unofficially christened the junk room. It was piled with random boxes, bags, furniture that they hadn’t found a home for, and other things, some of which Molly didn’t recognize still. But she saw the pile that she’d hidden Christmas presents in and hurried over to it.

“You stay there,” she said, and Schrodinger paused. “There might be something for you in here.”

Might be? His ears twitched. Don’t you know?

“I don’t remember,” Molly admitted, as she peeked in bags. “You know I buy stuff all year long. I’ve forgotten some of it, I’m sure.”

Then I won’t look, Schrodinger promised, turning around in the doorway and sitting down, washing his paw resolutely. And I promise I won’t come back later and look.

“Good!” Molly found the bag that she was looking for, finally, and sighed with relief. “Okay, I found the cards. Let’s go and get working on them.”

They went back down to the kitchen, Molly pausing at her bedroom to snag her address book. After putting the kettle on to boil, she put the box of cards and the address book on the table, then asked Schrodinger, “Do you want some tea?”

He cocked his head to the side, considering the request gravely. No, I think I need to go outside for a bit, he said finally. There are some things I need to do today.

“Okay,” Molly said, trying hard to hide her smile. She was fairly certain that those things included whatever he was working on for her Christmas present with Jack. “Will you be home for dinner? I’ve got a Mexican casserole that I’m going to put in later.”

Absolutely! I should actually be home soon, he said. I’m not planning on going far. And he snuggled up to her for a quick hug, then let himself out of the kitchen door.

Molly hummed as she made herself a cup of tea, and then sat down at the table, attacking the Christmas cards. It wasn’t something she managed to do every year, but the task was soothing. Drew was still sleeping upstairs, after being called out the night before to help corral a wandering Road, and it was quiet in the farmhouse. That was probably why she heard the sleigh bells long before the sleigh itself pulled into the yard.

“Ho, Molly! How goes the season?” Old Man Winter shouted, as she stepped out on to the porch. His sledge was decorated, as always, with holly wreaths and large copper bells, and the two reindeer that pulled it shook their heads. He’d brought a snow flurry with him, and it dusted around everything as he came up the steps.

“It goes, Old Man,” Molly said, embracing him and tasting the cold around him. “Come in for a cup of tea?”

“Do you have cookies?” he asked eagerly, and she grinned.

“I think there are some in my cookie jar. Want to come and see?”

“Absolutely!” Old Man Winter said, and followed her in to the warm kitchen, shedding his heavy coat on the way.

“Tea? Or something else?” she offered, heading over to where her cottage cookie jar sat. Currently it was full of orange and vanilla shortbread cookies, and she put a generous helping on a plate that she brought over to the table.

“Tea is good,” Old Man Winter said. “Where are your boys?”

“Drew’s asleep upstairs,” Molly said, pouring him a cup of hot water and making her way over to the tea cabinet. “Schrodinger’s out and about, although he said he wouldn’t be long. Black?”

“Yes, please.” He accepted the cup from her and sighed. “Your kitchen is one of my favorite places, Molly.”

“You know, I couldn’t imagine you saying that a few years ago.”

“True,” Old Man Winter admitted. “I’m glad you showed me the wisdom of my ways.” He looked at her keenly. “Want to talk?”

“About?”

“Whatever’s bothering you,” he said, and when she blinked, he shrugged. “It’s pretty obvious. Spill.”

So she told him about Pavel, and about Tim, and about her own frustration in not being able to fix things.

“That’s one of the things I love about you, Molly,” Old Man Winter said when she’d finished, and put a hand on hers where it sat on the table. “You want to fix everything. But you can’t. The world’s not fair, and not everyone can be salvaged. You’re just going to break your own heart if you try.”

“I know,” she said, and then sighed. “But I don’t know how not to.” Then she shook herself. “So, to what do I owe this visit?”

He shrugged. “I was in the area.”

Molly gave him a disbelieving look, and Old Man Winter laughed. “It’s the truth!” he said, holding up a hand. “I promise! I was in the area, and saw the smoke from the chimney, and thought I’d stop by.”

“Just out randomly causing trouble, then?” she teased, and he grinned.

“Something like that.” He looked at the cards that she’d addressed. “Actually getting them out this year?”

Old Man Winter! I did see the sled! Schrodinger burst into the kitchen, all but vibrating in excitement. Can I have a ride in the sled?

“Of course!” Old Man Winter told him. “Now?”

After I say hi to Pavel, who’s coming up the drive, Schrodinger said. He’s got his sleigh too!

“Let me refill the cookies and put the kettle back on,” Molly said, getting up. “I wasn’t expecting this many guests today.” She pulled two mugs out of the dishwasher, paused, and grabbed a third one, just as Drew came shambling into the kitchen. “Did we wake you, love?”

“No, I’m hungry,” he said, scratching his head and blinking. “Hey, Old Man Winter.”

“Good morning, Drew.” The winter spirit nodded to his former captive. “Long night?”

“Insanely.” Drew yawned widely. “I need caffeine.”

Molly handed him a mug and steered him gently towards a chair. “Sit down, and I’ll start lunch.” She looked at Schrodinger. “Can you get the door for Pavel?”

“Pavel?” Drew said. “Why is Pavel here?” He looked back over at Old Man Winter. “And why are you here?”

“I have no idea, but Schrodinger said his sleigh is coming,” Molly said.

“I was in the neighborhood,” Old Man Winter said at the same time.

I’ll get the door, Schrodinger said, and nosed it open, just as Pavel came up onto the porch. Come in and have lunch!

“I will never say no to lunch,” Pavel said, coming in and doffing his hat. “Especially not at Molly’s.” He nodded to Old Man Winter and Drew. “Looks like you have a full house.”

“It’s just sandwiches, guys. I hope that’s okay,” Molly said, cutting slices of homemade bread and piling them high with roast beef and cheddar cheese.

“Just sandwiches, she says,” Pavel said, taking a seat. “Do you know how many people would kill for some of your homemade bread, never mind a sandwich on it?”

“You flatter me,” Molly told him, setting the plate full of sandwiches in the middle of the table, and then getting the other tea mugs. She refreshed her own, and Old Man Winter’s, then took her own chair. “Don’t wait,” she said. “Dig in.”

For a while, the only sound was people eating. Then, as everyone settled back with fresh cups of tea, Molly looked at Pavel. “To what do we owe this visit?”

“I was hoping you’d help me out,” he said. “I’ve finally convinced my mother to come to the Cove, by way of a land Gate that’s two islands over from her home. But I’m not sure how to show off this lovely town to convince her to stay.” He shook his head. “She’s not wanting to leave the hovel my grandfather left her.”

You lived in a hovel? Did it have a dirt floor? Schrodinger asked, his eyes wide.

Pavel looked at him, and then admitted, “All right, it’s not exactly a hovel, but it’s not a good house. I don’t understand why she doesn’t want to leave it.”

“There must be some good memories there,” Molly said. “It wasn’t all bad, was it?”

“It was for me,” Pavel said. “But no, maybe it wasn’t for her. Not that it matters. Molly, can you suggest some things she may want to do? I’m sure hitting the dock taverns are not part of her interests.”

“Not with you, that’s for sure,” Drew said, chuckling wryly, and Pavel flashed him a wink.

Molly gave them both an exasperated look, and then turned to Old Man Winter. “What do you think? Besides the Carol Sing, of course. That’s Sunday at the bookstore, Pavel. When is she coming in?”

“Saturday,” the pirate replied. “So that would work.”

Old Man Winter stroked his beard. “Lily doesn’t have a dance recital this year, does she?”

“No, sadly. That would have been fun.” Molly thought for a bit. “What does your mother like to do, Pavel? I mean, what interests does she have?”

“I don’t know,” Pavel admitted, after a few minutes. “She knits. And she reads. I think she likes music.” He looked down at his mug sadly. “My grandfather didn’t really give her a lot of time to pursue her own hobbies.”

You could take her around town and show her the lights in your sleigh or carriage, Schrodinger suggested. And maybe take her down to Indi’s cove, so she could see the skaters?

“Those are good ideas,” Molly agreed. “And of course, there’s always walking around the downtown area.” She looked at Pavel. “Why don’t you bring her to dinner on Tuesday? We’re having Nathan and Corrine, and Doug and Tim. That way, she can meet some of your friends, see you aren’t alone here. And that she wouldn’t be alone.”

“That sounds like a family dinner,” Pavel said. “I wouldn’t want to intrude…” His voice trailed off as Molly glared at him.

“You ARE family,” Molly told him, in no uncertain terms. “Don’t you ever forget it.”

“Yes’m,” Pavel said meekly. “What time should we be here? And what can I bring?”

“I’m doing lamb, so why don’t you bring a nice wine,” Molly said, softening a little.

“I can do that.” Pavel drained his mug and stood up. “Thank you, Molly. For lunch, and for everything. I’ve got to get back and finalize on a house.”

“Did you find one?” Drew asked, surprised. “That was fast.”

“Well, I can’t have my mother live on the ship,” Pavel said. “I’m just renting one now, although I have the option to buy. It’s going to depend on if she likes it.” He bowed to them all and headed out.

Molly looked over at Drew. “You don’t mind, do you?”

“Of course not. Pavel’s family.” He shrugged. “Like you said.” Then he looked over at Old Man Winter and grinned. “Of course, if you’d invited this old reprobate…”

“I’ve got plans with my own daughter on Tuesday, as you well know, since you were invited, but had this other thing,” Old Man Winter said loftily, then spoiled it by adding, “But I never turn down lamb.”

“Another time,” Molly told him, grinning. “I don’t want to overwhelm Pavel’s mother, and we’ll have Lily, Kaylee AND Ryan with us.”

“You’ll bury her in cuteness,” Old Man Winter said, and sighed. “I should get going too. It’s time for me to meet a man about a snowstorm.”

Once he had gone, Molly picked up her pen and a scrap of paper.

What are you doing? Schrodinger asked her, craning his neck to see.

“Making plans,” she said absently. “I want to make Pavel’s mother’s stay here the best ever, and I’m sure he hasn’t thought far enough in advance to put things in his kitchen.” She paused, and looked at Schrodinger. “Mind running an errand for me?”

Sure! Where?

“To the ship. I want to talk to Cook before I do much more.” She smiled. “Pavel may not be thinking about logistics, but Cook will.”

Originally published at The words of Valerie Griswold-Ford. You can comment here or there.

Sorry for the delay, folks. I meant to have everything up in advance, and life got in the way. But I have time today to post everything, so there shouldn’t be any  more delays! With that in mind….

***

Tuesday, December 8

Molly was sitting at her kitchen table, cradling a cup of hot chai in her hands and enjoying the silence. Drew and Schrodinger had gone to the store, doing some early Christmas shopping. There was a light snow falling in fits and starts, as if the storm clouds couldn’t decide if they actually wanted to let their flakes fall or wanted to hoard them away for another day. She’d been playing the radio, but had turned it off. Now, the only sounds were the occasional shush of wind-driven snow against the window, and the crunch of snow under the feet of deer as they came through the yard.

The air smelled of ham and molasses, cinnamon and cream. Homey scents, and Molly inhaled deepily, greedily, wanting to savor the moment. Then she heard sleigh bells in the yard, and got up to see who had come to visit.
Pavel’s black horses had just come into the yard. As she stepped out on to the porch, Molly called out, “Feeling better today?”

His face was still a bit pale, but his beard was combed, his mustache waxed, and he was dressed neatly, in clean clothes. Pavel spoke quietly to his driver, who nodded and then steered the carriage back out the driveway.

“A bit, but I’ll probably deserve this headache for another day or two,” Pavel said, coming up the steps of the porch and giving her a hug. “Did those two rapscallions actually leave you alone and unguarded today?”

“Only for a little bit,” Molly assured him, grinning. “They’re getting one of my Christmas presents, apparently, so I was asked if I minded staying home.”

“And do you?”

“No,” she admitted, as they went into the house. “It’s nice and quiet. Tea?”

“I would love some.”

They settled around the table, and Pavel sniffed the air. “Ham for dinner?”

She nodded. “We got a lovely one at the farmer’s market last Thursday, and I thought I’d make ham and cheese scones with the leftovers. Depending on how late you stay, you can take some back with you.”

“I think I can make an exception and stay,” he said gravely, but his eyes twinkled with mischief.

“I’m so glad,” Molly said, equally gravely, and winked at him.

They chatted and drank tea until Drew and Schrodinger came in. Pavel didn’t seem to want to broach the subject of his breakdown yesterday, and Molly, who had read the letter that Drew had taken from the cabin, understood. Better to only go over it once.

Pavel! You came! Schrodinger came rushing into the kitchen, his tail waving excitedly. I was afraid you wouldn’t come!

“I promised Molly I would, and I don’t break promises,” Pavel said.

True. I forgot that. Schrodinger jumped up into his chair and looked at Molly. Ham smells wonderful!

“Thank you!” She put mugs of tea in front of him and Drew. “Did you guys get your shopping done?”

Schrodinger looked at Drew, who nodded. “It was a successful trip,” he said, winking at Molly when Schrodinger looked away again.

“Oh good.” Then she looked at Pavel. “No more avoiding, Pavel. What happened yesterday?”

The pirate sighed, looking down into his mug as if the answers lay there. “I assume you read the letter that Drew found yesterday?” When Molly blinked, surprised, he chuckled. “I couldn’t find it this morning, and the crew has been afraid to come in my presence, so they wouldn’t have taken it. That left only you.”

“We did read it,” Drew admitted. “But we didn’t really understand all of it.”

“Or why it would bother you so much,” Molly added, taking her seat. “Don’t you want to know your family?”

Pavel sighed. “It’s not as clear-cut as that.”

What was in the letter? Schrodinger demanded. I didn’t get to read it!

Drew pulled it out of his pocket and started to hand it to Pavel, who shook his head. “No, you can read it out loud. I know it already.”

“Okay.” Drew cleared his throat and began to read.

“Dear Pavel, I know this letter is unexpected, but I have been waiting to write this for a very long time. You may not have heard anything of me – your mother said your grandfather banned my name from being spoken, and the townsfolk would not have gone against him. Not that I blame him. It was a blow to his pride when I left, I know. But I couldn’t stay. I couldn’t live with him.

“I never wanted to leave you or your mother, but that was the condition your grandfather laid down. I could leave, and he wouldn’t stop me, but his daughter had to stay. I only saw you briefly, from time to time, when we docked in the harbor, but I wanted to see you. Your mother, in defiance of your grandfather, managed to get me messages occasionally.

“I know he was a difficult man to love, Pavel, but he wasn’t always the brutal man he became. Once he was a good man, a man that loved me and your mother. Life was not easy for him, and I’m sorry he took it out on you.

“Now that he’s gone, I’d like to get to know you. I can’t make up for the years we lost, but there’s still time. Please, let me know if you would like to come and visit, or if you would allow me to visit you. It would mean a lot to me.

“Love, your grandmother, Brynna”

That’s wonderful! Schrodinger said, eyes bright. You found more family!

“It’s not that easy,” Pavel told him. “My grandfather not only banned us from discussing my grandmother, but the only time he ever even mentioned her was when he was drunk, which was most of the time, and beating me because I reminded him of her.” He chuckled bitterly. “Apparently I inherited her ‘sass.'”

Molly reached out and laid her hand on his. “The past isn’t going to go away,” she said. “But don’t you want to find out if he was right or wrong about her?”

“I don’t know,” Pavel said. “Part of me really does want to, but another part says that the old man was right. She deserted us. Left us to muddle along as best we could, with little to no money that the old man didn’t drink away.” He shook his head. “I left there as soon as I could find a ship that would take me, and I’ve never been back for long.”

“But you did go back?” Molly asked him.

“Occasionally, to make sure that my mother was still alive,” Pavel said. “I couldn’t convince her to leave him, no matter how battered and bruised she was.” At Molly’s cry of dismay, he shrugged. “Once I left, he used her to take out all his anger and frustration. But she wouldn’t leave him. Said she couldn’t abandon him.”

Your poor mother, Schrodinger said softly, his whiskers drooping. How awful.

“Yes. And no one in that godforesaken town would lift a hand to help her. It was fitting that she and I were the only two at the funeral to see him buried.” Pavel finished his tea and set the mug aside. “He’d managed to isolate her completely. I’m just glad he died before he managed to kill her. Now, maybe, she can have a life of her own.”

“That’s why you’re looking to buy a house here,” Drew said, comprehension dawning in his eyes. “You want to move her here.”

Pavel nodded. “This is a good town. Not like there. And she’s got nothing to hold her there now. I’m hoping that if I buy a house for her here, she’ll see that she can do what she wants. And the Cove is a good place to discover that. But she’s fighting me on it.”

“Because it’s new?” Molly guessed.

“I think so. She’s never been outside of our town, and the sea frightens her. The village doesn’t have a Gate, so I’d have to take the Desire to get her. Which I will, but she’s not sure she can do it.” Pavel sighed. “And now, with my grandmother contacting her, she’s torn.”

“Between you and your grandmother?” Drew asked.

“I think so. I don’t know what Brynna said to her, but I can imagine it was similar to my offer. Come and live with me, and leave all those bad memories behind.”

Molly hesitated, looking at Drew. “What about your father?” she asked cautiously. “Why didn’t he ever come for her?”

“Dunno,” Pavel said. “I don’t even know who he is. The rumor around the village was that he was a sea spirit out for a little fun, who came across her while she was walking on the cliffs, seduced her, and then left. She never told me his name, not even when I begged to know, and the old man just called him a shiftless good-for-nothing piece of garbage. No one ever came forward to claim me, and I’ve given up wondering.”

Molly’s heart ached, and she exchanged another look at Drew. He nodded at her. “Pavel, I know it’s not my place,” she said slowly. “But I really think that you should at least meet your grandmother.”

“And find out why she abandoned us? I’m not sure I want to hear that,” he said, and Molly winced at the acrid pain in his voice. “I’m so tired of being hurt by my family, Molly. I’d rather just forget her. It would be easier.”

“Maybe now, but aren’t you even the least bit curious?” she said. “You said yourself that the only things you know about your grandmother are what your bitter grandfather told you. Shouldn’t you at least give her the opportunity to tell her side of the story?”

“I don’t know, Molly. I just don’t know.” He took his hand back, but he smiled at her. “But I’m not rejecting it out of hand anymore. I’ll think about it.”

“That’s good,” Molly said, getting up and going to the oven. “And with that, I’m going to finish dinner. Can you guys set the table?”

Dinner was a determinedly cheerful affair, and Molly and Drew kept the conversation away from Pavel’s family, although Molly did get him to talk about the houses he’d looked at. After he’d left, with a basket full of ham and cheese scones, Molly brought in mugs of hot chocolate into the living room, where Drew had started a fire in the fireplace. The Christmas lights glowed in the darkness.

Schrodinger waited until she and Drew had settled in on the couch, and then he crawled onto her lap. Can I ask you a question?

“Of course you can,” she said.

Why was Pavel’s grandfather so mean to him?

Molly sighed. “I don’t know,” she said honestly. “It sounds like he had a very hard life, and when people drink, they can get mean.”

But I’ve seen you drink, and Drew, and you guys don’t get mean. Schrodinger laid his head down on his paws. What would cause someone to beat their own child or grandchild?

“I don’t know,” Molly repeated sadly, stroking the soft fur of his back. “Not everyone is a good person, Schrodinger. It’s sad but true.”

“He might have been in a lot of pain too,” Drew said quietly. “If that’s the case, then he might just have been lashing out in the only way he knew how.”

It’s not cool.

“No,” Drew agreed, putting an arm around Molly and pulling them both closer to him. “No, it’s not.”

And the wood in the fireplace popped into the silence.

Originally published at The words of Valerie Griswold-Ford. You can comment here or there.

Monday, December 7

Molly! Molly!

Schrodinger came bounding up the stairs to the second floor, calling for her at the top of his mental lungs. He was so agitated that he actually meowed as well, something he almost never did. Behind him was the tall, lanky form of Mr. Strange, and the first mate’s face was ashen.

Molly, who had been sitting and chatting with Father Christopher about the upcoming Christmas choral, barely managed to move her tea mug out of the way in time as Schrodinger launched himself into her lap. “What ever is the matter?” she said, trying to soothe him with spilling hot tea on both of them. Father Christopher helped by taking the tea mug, leaving Molly free to put both arms around the agitated CrossCat. “What’s wrong, Schrodinger?”

Pavel! Schrodinger said, burrowing his head into her chest and meowing piteously. We have to help Pavel!

“What’s wrong with Pavel?” Molly addressed the question to Mr. Strange, who was wringing his hands in distress. Something was definitely wrong, as Mr. Strange was usually the most self-possessed man she’d met.

“I don’t know,” he admitted. “But he’s locked himself in the cabin all night, and there’s been amazing crashes and bangs – I’m afraid he’s going to do something terrible, Molly, and you’re the only one I could think of that could help.” He swallowed. “Please, Molly, come and help us before…” His voice trailed off, as if he couldn’t bear to finish the sentence.

“Of course!” Molly took Schrodinger’s face in her hands, forcing him to look at her. “Schrodinger, we’ll help Pavel. But I need you to go to the Gate Station and get Drew, okay? Tell him to meet us at the ship.”

Okay! Schrodinger gave her a quick kiss and a purr, clearly soothed by her instant acceptance, then jumped off her lap and ran back down the stairs.

Molly reclaimed her mug from Father Christopher with a grateful smile. “Thank you, Father. I’m sorry, I need to go.”

“Don’t be sorry,” Father Christopher told her. “Go and help Pavel.” He stood up. “Is Sarah in today?”

“No, it’s her day off,” Molly said.

“Then show me where everything is in the kitchen, and I’ll cover for you for a while,” the priest said.

Molly stared at him. “You don’t have to do that!”

“No, I don’t.” Father Christopher gave her a sly smile. “But you have a better kitchen here than I do, and it’s not often I get to play in it. So you go and help Pavel, and I’ll, um, mind the kitchen.” He winked at her, and despite her worry over Pavel, Molly laughed.

“Fine. If you’re up to it, I have the makings for cranberry scones in the refrigerator.”

The two men followed her down to the kitchen, where she showed Father Christopher where the scone mixings were, and then grabbed her coat. Mr. Strange had brought Pavel’s black carriage with him, and it was waiting outside.

An icy wind hit her as she stepped out of the warm bookstore, cutting right through her coat and freezing her bones. Molly hurried into the carriage.

“So tell me everything,” she said, as Mr. Strange climbed in behind her. He tapped sharply on the roof of the carriage, then he sighed.

“I don’t know much,” he admitted, as the carriage horses started forward at a run, making them both lurch a bit. “Last night he was fine. Cook brought home your gingerbread ship – and an amazing piece of work that is, I have to tell you, Molly – and Captain was enthralled. He had it put in his cabin, and let everyone see it. He went out to look at some houses, and I assume, did some drinking.”

“So normal Pavel,” Molly said, nodding. “Then what happened?”

“He got a letter this morning.” Mr. Strange shook his head. “No, I don’t know from who. It was delivered as part of the mail this morning, and as normal, I brought everything in to him. After a few minutes, I heard a horrible crash from his cabin. I was afraid he’d fallen or something.” He gave Molly a slightly shamefaced look. “In truth, I thought he was still hung over, and had just tripped. He hadn’t been that awake when Cook brought in his breakfast.”

“Fair,” Molly assured him. “Perfectly fair, and Pavel himself will be the first to tell you that. So what did you find?”

“Nothing,” Mr. Strange said. “He’d locked the door, and when I knocked, he shouted at me to bring him a bottle of rum, and then mind my own business.”

“So what did you do?” Molly figured she knew the answer, but she wanted Mr. Strange to tell her.

“I brought him the rum and then left,” Mr. Strange said. He passed his hand over his forehead. “And when he called for another bottle, I brought that.”

“How many bottles has he gone through?”

“Six,” Mr. Strange said quietly. “As of when I left.”

Molly shook her head. “That’s not good.” She looked at her watch. “When did the letter come?”

“With the morning mail – around 11 am.” The first mate wrung his hands together. “I know it was early, but what was I to do? I can’t disobey my captain!”

“You did everything right, Mr. Strange,” Molly assured him. “Why did you come to get me, though?”

“Because when I gave him the last bottle, I caught a glimpse of him.” Mr. Strange shuddered. “He didn’t look human, Molly. He looked like a tormented shell of a man, and there have been the most horrific bangs and crashes. I’m afraid he’ll hurt himself. And then Cook mentioned that you always seem to be able to calm him, and I thought perhaps it would work.” He swallowed. “I had just come down the gangway when I met Schrodinger. I’m not sure why he was there, but he asked me what was wrong, and when I said I was heading to find you, he agreed and we came to get you.” He looked at her. “You can help, right?”

“I’ll do my best,” Molly said. “That’s all I can promise.”

They spent the rest of the brief ride in silence. Molly looked out at the town rushing past, and wondered what had been in the letter to so upset Pavel. And how had Schrodinger known that the pirate needed him? She hadn’t even noticed he’d left the bookstore. Then again, she thought, you’ve been a little preoccupied lately. Might be time to start paying more attention to him.

The carriage stopped at the Heart’s Desire, and Mr. Strange hurried to open the carriage door for her. As she stepped out, a loud crash came from the ship, and the first mate winced.

“More rum!” The bellow pierced the air, and Molly watched every single sailor jump. A calm fell over her.

“Don’t you dare,” she told Mr. Strange. “He’s had enough rum.” She looked up at the ship. “Go and tell Cook to make a pot of tea, and have a cup yourself. I’ll take care of this.”

The first mate looked almost pathetically relieved and hurried off. Molly made her way up the gangway after him, taking her time, and intercepted the sailor who was going towards the captain’s door with a dark bottle in his hand.

“No,” she said firmly, taking him by the shoulders and turning him around. The sailor, dazed, let her. “He’s had enough.”

The sailor scurried back the way he’d come, and Molly turned to the door before her.

“Planning your attack?” Drew asked, coming up beside her, Schrodinger on his heels.

“Yes.” Molly nodded. “You got here fast.”

“I bought a fast truck, and I had impetus.” He ran fingers through his hair; Molly noticed he’d forgotten both his hat and his coat in his haste. “What’s the plan?”

She was about to answer when Pavel shouted again, “I said rum, dammit! Where are you dogs? I’ll flay the lot of you!”

“Well, first, this needs to stop,” Molly said. She walked up to the door and tried the knob. Locked. “Pavel, open this door now!”

To her surprise, he did. Molly took one look at him: his blood-shot eyes, tear-stained face and tangled beard, and her heart broke. This was a man on the edge of collapse.

“Did you bring rum?” he demanded.

“No,” she said, stepping closer. The smell of stale sweat and alcohol rising from him made her blink. “You’ve had enough rum, Pavel. Let me in, and we’ll talk. Cook is making you tea.”

“I don’t want tea,” Pavel said sullenly. “I want rum.”

“Too bad,” Molly told him. She continued to walk forward, forcing him to let her in the cabin. He’d obviously been pitching a fit, as the entire room was trashed, except for the table where the gingerbread model of the Heart’s Desire still stood tall. “You don’t need more rum.” She gave him a compassionate look and opened her arms, inviting him into a hug. “What’s wrong? Why are you so upset?”

Pavel glared at her, red-rimmed eyes filling with tears, and they locked gazes while Drew, Schrodinger, and the rest of the crew held their collective breaths. Then, to everyone’s surprise, Pavel crumpled, falling into Molly’s arms, sobbing.

“Drew, close the door,” she said, leading Pavel over to his chair. “I think we’ll want to keep this in the family.”

As Drew did so, Schrodinger came up and, once Pavel had sunk into the chair, the CrossCat jumped up on to the table in front of him, carefully avoiding the gingerbread.

“It’s okay,” Molly soothed Pavel, running her hand over his head as he continued to cry. “Let it all out.” She looked at Drew. “Want to start trying to clean up?” she said softly. “I have a feeling he’ll need to sleep later.”

“Of course.” Drew went over to the large bed and began to make it. A tentative knock on the big door distracted him, and he went to relieve Mr. Strange of his tea tray.

“Is everything okay now?” the first mate whispered.

“It will be,” Drew told him quietly. “Molly will get to the bottom of this.”

“Check the mail,” Mr. Strange told him. “Whatever kicked this off came in the post this morning.”

Drew nodded and closed the door again. He brought the tea tray over to the table and looked at Molly.

“Go ahead and pour us each a mug,” she said. “Pavel? Can you talk yet?”

The pirate didn’t answer at once, but after a moment, he swallowed deeply and looked up at her. “Rum?”

“No, tea,” Molly said firmly. “Rum will not make this better.”

“It will make it go away, though,” Pavel said, but he accepted the mug that Drew gave him. Then he peered at his friend. “Drew? What are you doing here?”

“Helping my wife,” Drew said, handing her a mug as well. “You didn’t think I was going to let her come to your dangerous ship by herself, did you?”

“I didn’t know she was coming,” Pavel said.

“Who else was going to calm you down?” she said, taking the other seat. “Really. Now, tell me what’s going on.”

You can trust us, Schrodinger added, reaching out one soft paw to the pirate. We won’t tell anyone.

Pavel laughed bitterly. “It’s not that I’m worried about,” he said. “It’s not like I have a reputation to destroy.”

“You do, but it’s not the one you think,” Drew said, going back over to the bed and continuing to make it. Molly watched him, and so she saw him pick up a crumpled piece of paper, read it, and then put it in his pocket.

“Yes, the big bad pirate,” Pavel said, bringing her attention back to him. He drained his tea mug and held it out. “Is there more?”

“Absolutely,” Molly said, refilling his mug. “Drink all the tea you want.”

After two more cups of tea, Pavel sighed, and pushed back from the table. “My head hurts,” he said.

“Too much rum?” Molly said, and looked around. “Do you have aspirin?”

“Somewhere.” Pavel waved a hand, and yawned. “I need sleep.”

“Are you going to be okay?” Molly asked, letting a little of the worry she was feeling thread into her voice.

He gave her a sad smile. “I will be, thank you.” Pavel enfolded her in a warm hug. “I’ll come to the farm tomorrow and explain everything. I just need to sleep now.”

“If you’re sure…” Molly said.

I will stay, Schrodinger offered. I could use a nap too, and I’ll keep away all the bad dreams.

Pavel crawled into his bed, and let Molly cover him up like a child. Then Schrodinger jumped down from the table and into the bed, curling up in a ball.

“Come on,” Drew said, taking Molly’s hand. “Let’s let him sleep.”

Originally published at The words of Valerie Griswold-Ford. You can comment here or there.

Saturday, December 5

Molly surveyed the tea room and turned to Aunt Margie. “You know, we might just finish all this today. Thank you for letting me close the room early.”

Aunt Margie patted her on the shoulder. “You needed the space, and it’s not like it’s every day. I know you’ll get everything done.” She winked at her niece. “I think you might be hitting the limits of your output, though.”

“I think you might be right,” Molly said, sighing. “But I hate the idea that I can’t get everyone what they want.”

“You can’t bake for the entire world, Molly,” Aunt Margie said. She turned to Sue, who had just come in. “Maybe you can talk some sense into her. Remind her that she’s only human?”

“We’ll try, but I doubt it will stick,” Sue said, laughing a little.

“It hasn’t yet,” Lai added, as she and Noemi brought up the rear. “Hey, Molly, before we start, do you want me to check the carafes upstairs?”

“Oh, that’s a good idea,” Molly said. Since Aunt Margie had let them close the tea room for the afternoon, Molly had set up one of the large tables upstairs as a tea station, with two large carafes of hot water, a smaller carafe of hot cider, and a platter of scones, cookies, and muffins. She figured they would refill them as needed, and Lai headed out with Aunt Margie to do the first check.

After they had left, Molly hung the decorative chain across the doorway and turned back to her troops. Lily, Zoey, Schrodinger, Jack, Noemi, Sue, and Tim were all waiting for her expectantly, wearing aprons and holding what Tim had called the various “implements of frosting destruction.”

“Okay, so here’s the plan,” she said, after taking a deep breath. “Lily, Zoey, Schrodinger, and Jack, you guys are in charge of decorating the snowflake lollipops. Come with me.” She took them to one table, where she’d set up a station for them. “You guys did the sparkles yesterday, remember?” They nodded. “Good. Now, today, you need to take these bags of icing, put dots on each corner and in the center, then put the candy jewels on.”

Lily and Zoey watched intently as she demonstrated on the first snowflake.

“Schrodinger and Jack, you’re supervising,” Molly said, putting the finished snowflake onto another cookie sheet nearby. Then she looked at her young helpers. “Got it?”

“Got it!” Lily said, and Zoey added, “We can do this!”

“You guys are awesome!” Molly said, reaching over to hug them. “Once you’re done with these, we have gingerbread men to do.”

Well, then we’d best get started! Schrodinger said, jumping up into a chair, and Jack followed him.

Molly watched for a couple of moments, to make sure they didn’t have any issues, then she went back to her other helpers. Lai had come back down, stepping easily over the chain, and now she and Tim were cutting out tags.

“Oh Tim, those are gorgeous!” Molly said, picking one up. “I had no idea!”

He flushed. “It’s a hobby of mine,” he said. “I love doing art like this.” The little square tag had a shimmery snowflake on one side, and the list of ingredients on the back. He’d made them with slits for the lollipop sticks to slide through. For the gingerbread men, the tags were stickers for the back of the bags the men were in.

“What about us?” Noemi asked, pulling her attention away from the tags.

“You guys get to help me start building gingerbread houses,” Molly said. She led them over to the other side of the tea room, where they’d put four tables together. Molly had cut out all the pieces the night before, and now she gave one set of drawings to Noemi and one to Sue. “Here’s the royal icing to hold it together,” she said, indicating the frosting bags. “I’ve got a ton more in the kitchen, so don’t worry about running out.”

“We’ve got this,” Noemi assured her, reaching for one of the bags. “How many years have we done this now?”

“Too many.” Molly laughed. “I’d never get anything done without you guys!”

“And what are you working on?” Sue asked, as she laid down a line of royal icing on the edge of a cottage base.

“Decorating the centerpiece, and the ones that are already put together,”

Molly told her. She looked once more around the room. “Tim, you can come over and help these guys when you finish. Lai, did you want to start the gingerbread men?”

“Sounds good!” Lai said, nodding.

“Then I think we’re good,” Molly said, and hurried back into the kitchen.

There, spread out on the side counter, was the large gingerbread ship that she’d been working on. Although she’d originally thought to do the full harbor, once she’d started working on the ship itself, she’d realized that she’d never have time to do it. Not and make everything else. So instead of trying to do it all, Molly just built the Heart’s Desire.

The ship stood on the island, nearly three feet tall from the top of the mast to the base it stood on. Molly had carefully constructed it earlier in the day, and now she began to decorate it.

First came the black icing that was the base of everything. Molly had created a matte black frosting that she’d spread carefully over the entire piece with a very small, delicate spatula. Now, she put down a sheet of wax paper on a cookie sheet, and began to make the decorations that she was going to hang over the ship.

Wreaths of delicate green leaves, interspersed with tiny red berries and tied with golden ribbon bows. Once those had dried, Molly put a thin line of royal icing on the back of each and attached them to each porthole on the ship.

Then she took the golden icing bag and drew ribbons connecting the wreaths all the way around.

After that, Molly took a smaller bag of white icing and wrote The Heart’s Desire on the bow on either side. The white icing also outlined the edges of the portholes, and a chain leading to where she was going to attach the anchor. That was another piece of gingerbread, frosted silver, which she attached carefully.

“Wow,” Sue said, as Molly set the icing bag down. “You don’t go halfway, do you?”

“I try not to,” Molly said, picking up the first of the three sails. She’d gotten Aunt Margie to make her the sails, which was good, as Molly had no idea how to sew. “Come help me with this?”

Together, they carefully slid the starched sails over the masts, where they rested as if the ship were running before a full wind. “Aunt Margie is a genius,” Sue said, touching the edge of the smallest sail with a fingertip.

“Agreed,” Molly said, stepping back and looking at the gingerbread model with a calculating eye. “Now, the final touches.” She picked up the small crow’s nest, also built of gingerbread, and had Sue hold it on the tallest mast while she piped the royal icing underneath to seal it in place. Then she picked up two small strands of Christmas lights, and hung them on from the crow’s nest down to the deck, one in front and one in back. She hid the battery packs in the nest itself, and then turned them on with a fingertip.

“Oh, that’s perfect!” Sue said, clapping her hands together. “You’re a genius!”

Everyone else, attracted by the noise, crowded in the kitchen to see.

“You do this every year?” Tim asked Molly, his eyes wide as he looked at the Heart’s Desire.

“I try to do something big, yes,” she said. “It’s good to have a centerpiece.”

“This is the best yet!” Lily said. “Pavel will love it!” She turned and looked at her aunt. “You ARE giving it to him, right?”

Molly laughed. “I was planning on it, yes,” she assured her.

“Good,” Zoey said. “I hope it makes him happy.”

I’m sure it will, Schrodinger said. How can you not be happy when someone gives you this kind of beautiful thing?

Molly didn’t say anything to that, and the CrossCat turned to look at her. You’re still worried about Pavel, aren’t you?

“Why are you worried about Pavel?” Lai asked, and the rest looked at her. “Is something wrong?”

“I don’t know,” Molly admitted, moving to pick the ship up carefully from the island and putting it into the box that she had ready for it, so it wouldn’t be knocked over accidentally. Then she brought out the wagon that she needed to decorate for Sarah. “Drew said he didn’t quite look right when he saw him yesterday at the Station. And he was really drunk the day before.” She looked at the kids. “Are you guys done with the snowflakes yet?”

“Not yet,” Lily said, but looked at her aunt. “Are you sure Pavel’s okay?”

Molly leaned over and hugged her. “I think he’s just missing his family right now,” she said. “That’s all. He’ll be okay. He’s Pavel.”

“True,” Lily said, looking cheered up. “Come on, guys, let’s go finish the snowflakes!”

The others left as well, except for Sue, who took a seat and said quietly, “Okay, Molly, spill.”

“I don’t really know much,” Molly said, also quietly. She took the white icing bag again and started to add details to the wagon, which she’d already frosted a dark blue earlier. “Drew said that Pavel mentioned his grandfather had died, but he seemed more upset that the old man had taken so long to do so. It sounds like his grandfather wasn’t a very nice person.”

“Sometimes that happens, you know. Not everyone has a family as amazing as you and Drew.”

“I know.” Molly sighed. “I just wish I could make it easier for Pavel.”

“I didn’t realize he had a family, you know,” Sue said.

“Where did you think he came from, then?” Molly asked, raising an eyebrow. “Hatched from an egg?”

“I was thinking poured from a wine bottle, personally, but that works too,” Sue said, giggling a little. “I just have no concept of him as a child. My brain doesn’t want to wrap around it.”

“Yeah, me neither,” Molly admitted. “I wonder if he came with the beard.”

The image of a child with the beard that Pavel currently sported made both of them burst into laughter, and Molly had to step away from the gingerbread so she didn’t smear icing everywhere. After they’d calmed down and she started the decorations again, she said, “So, have you and Luke finally agreed on a date yet?”

“Not yet,” Sue said. She looked at the sparkling ring on her hand. “It still doesn’t really seem real yet.”

“It takes a month or so to sink in,” Molly said. “And you have plenty of time.”

“Yes. You’re still going to be my matron of honor, though, right?”

“Absolutely.” Molly stepped back and looked at her. “Want to finish this for me, and I’ll start on the horses?”

“Sure. What am I doing?”

Molly gave her the drawing and then pulled out the two horses that she’d made to pull the wagon. She and Sue worked in silence for a while, then Tim called her out to inspect their work.

Corrine showed up around six to pick up the girls, and Molly sent them home with a basket of cookies and her thanks. “We’ll see you tomorrow for the bake sale!” Zoey said, and Lily nodded.

Then she and the others finished packing everything up, pausing only to eat the Chinese takeout that Drew and Luke brought over. By the time everything was done and packed away, it was nearly ten.

“Next year, we either start sooner, or we cut down on the product,” Molly said, rubbing a hand across her face. “This is insane.”

“But amazing,” Tim said, yawning. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Molly?”

“Tomorrow.” She nodded. “Ten a.m. I’ll have tea and breakfast with me.”

Originally published at The words of Valerie Griswold-Ford. You can comment here or there.

Thursday, December 3

“Do you need anything else, before I go?”

Drew waited patiently while Molly frowned, first at him, then at the front yard. It had snowed the night before, and everything was made new, covered in fluffy white flakes. He’d already run the small plow that they’d bought the year before, so the driveway was clear, but everything else was covered in snow. Molly stood on the porch, a broom in her hand.

“Cranberries,” she said finally. “I think I need cranberries.”

Muffins? Schrodinger said hopefully from where he was digging snow out of the sleigh in the front yard. I like cranberry muffins!

“Well, I was actually thinking stuffing, but if you buy two bags, and an orange, I can make muffins too,” Molly agreed, chuckling. “And I think we’re almost out of milk, so if you could stop by Lisa’s, I’d appreciate it.”

“And eggs, since I’m going there?”

She considered for a moment, and Drew looked at her, standing amid the cream-colored pillars of the front steps, snow in her dark curls and on her eyelashes, her cheeks pink from the cold, and knew he was the luckiest man in the world. Once again, he wondered how he’d been able to catch her, and keep her. Then again, he mused, she’s keeping me. Let’s be realistic.

You keep her as much as she keeps you, Schrodinger said. And I get both of you! I’m the luckiest.

Drew and Molly both laughed at that. “Get a dozen eggs, and I’ll make a quiche,” she said finally. “That way, you’ll have dinner tomorrow night while we’re at the bookstore.”

“Sounds good.” Drew ran back up the steps and kissed her, managing not to drop the basket he was carrying or knock the broom from her hands. Her lips were cold and tasted of the blackberry sage tea she’d had for breakfast.

“Go,” Molly said finally, rubbing her nose against his before she pushed him gently away. “Or I’ll haul you back upstairs instead.”

“Is that a promise or a threat?” he teased.

Get a room! Schrodinger said, sounding exactly like a petulant teenager, and they turned to see him sitting on the seat of the sleigh, butt in the air, paws over his eyes in mock-disgust. Seriously, I’m working out here!

They laughed again, knowing it was an act, and Drew gave Molly one last kiss before heading back down the stairs and out to his truck.

After stopping in at the Station to make sure everything was okay, Drew drove down to the harbor. Carter’s Cove was fairly unique among CrossRoads towns, as there was not only a land-based Gate, but a SeaGate as well. Growing up in landlocked Marionville, Drew never tired of the sight of the massive arch at the end of the bay, nestled up by the edge of the cliffs.
The bay itself was deep, deeper than most people realized, and protected by tall headlands. The Gate only took up half of the bay’s opening onto the ocean, so fishing boats and occasionally a larger ship could come in as well. The docks were lined with all sorts of different ships, from sleek modern yachts to battered fishing trawlers, small sailboats and at least two schooners. And then there was the Heart’s Desire.

Pavel’s ship was out on the end of one of the docks, her masts rising proudly into the pale blue winter sky. As they were in port, the sails themselves were furled, but even now, men swarmed up and down the rigging, cleaning and repairing things. Drew knew the vessel had engines, but Pavel preferred to use the sails when possible.

As he got closer to the ship after parking the truck, though, Drew frowned. Normally, the Heart’s Desire had an air of cheerful mischief about it, crewed as it was by a bunch of shameless reprobates (although Drew knew most of them had hearts of gold. Pavel drew men of like disposition to himself, and he was one of the most generous men Drew knew). Today, however, there was a hush around it, as of everyone was tiptoeing through their duties. And that was definitely not normal.

“Ahoy the ship!” he called, as he came up to the gangway. “Permission to come aboard to see the captain?”

Instead of shouting a reply, the man on watch came hurrying down to meet him. “Begging your pardon, Mr. Drew, but now is not really a good time to be calling on the captain,” he said quietly, and Drew’s eyebrows went up.

“I’ve come bearing gifts. Surely that will pique Pavel’s interest.”

“I doubt it, sir. Can I get Mr. Strange for you instead?”

Drew looked at him, and then nodded. “That will be fine.”

The man almost ran back up the gangway, leaving Drew to wonder what the hell was going on. Was someone sick? Was Pavel sick? But if that was the case, then why wasn’t the ship under quarantine? Pavel wouldn’t have come out to the bookstore yesterday if he or his ship was carrying something contagious. But the silence that gripped the Desire, broken only by whispers and the sounds of the waves lapping against her hull, made Drew very nervous.

The feeling didn’t diminish when he saw the lanky figure of Thomas Strange, Pavel’s long-time first mate, making his way towards him. Strange didn’t hurry – he never hurried – but his normally cheerful grin was gone, replaced by a carefully neutral expression that was all the more worrying. His eyes lit up when he saw Drew, but the smile that usually accompanied his greeting never came.

“Welcome to the Desire, Drew,” he said quietly, offering his hand. “I wish I could invite you aboard, but it’s not a good time for visitors right now.”

“I can see that,” Drew said, shaking his hand. “What’s wrong?”

Strange sighed. “Let’s just say the captain’s feeling a bit…delicate today. He was out rather late last night.”

“Pavel’s been hung over more times than I can remember,” Drew said. “This, however, is the first time I’ve seen you lot creeping around like someone just died.”

“He really went all out last night. I don’t think I’ve seen him this roaring drunk in years,” Strange said. “He nearly fell off the gangway this morning.” He shook his head. “This is going to be one hell of a hangover, when he wakes up.”

Drew looked hard at the first mate for a long minute, then shook his own head. “Must have been one hell of a mission, if he was trying that hard to forget it.”

“To be honest? It was boring. Really.” Strange seemed about to say something more, so Drew waiting, but the first mate simply said, “I’ll tell him you were asking about him, Drew. Tomorrow may be a better day to see him.”

“Tomorrow I’ll be up at the Station, but he’s welcome to come and chat.” Drew handed over the basket. “Molly sent these for you all – she said to make sure that Cook knows the bake sale is Sunday.”

“I’ll tell him,” Strange said, nodding. “Tell Molly thank you from all of us.”

“Thomas,” Drew said. “You’d tell me if there was a problem with Pavel, wouldn’t you?”

The question hung in the air between them for a long minute. “I’d tell you what I could,” Strange said finally. “And right now, all I can say is that the captain considers you a friend. He might need a friend soon.”

“You know where to find me.”

Strange nodded, and clasped Drew’s hand again before heading back up into the ship. Drew watched him go, then headed back to his car.

Oh Pavel, what have you gotten yourself into?

Variations of that thought occupied him throughout his errands, making a normally pleasant afternoon a gloomy one. It didn’t help that clouds started to build in: when he came out of the grocery store, the blue sky had turned a dingy grey, and the wind whispered the promise of snow, a dusty scent that overlaid the normal tang of sea salt. By the time he’d gotten the milk Molly had requested from Lisa (and a special container of homemade egg nog, which he’d cheerfully accepted), small white flakes were drifting down, adding another layer of snow to the winter landscape.

“Bleah,” Drew said, squinting up at the clouds, trying to see if he could figure out how long it would last. “This is going to make tomorrow suck if it keeps up.”

The small flakes continued to fall, unimpressed with his disgust.

When he turned down the driveway, Drew’s eyes widened. Even from the road (and the house was set pretty far back) and through the falling snow, he could see the warm glow of red and gold lights. Molly hadn’t told him what she’d decided to do for the decorations, preferring a mysterious smile. Now he knew why.

The sleigh was piled high with packages, just like it had last year, but this year, instead of normal Christmas lights, Molly and Schrodinger had draped several strands of faerie lights they’d received from his grandmother Phoebe. The faeries’ wings fluttered gently, glowing with pale gold and crimson lights, and Drew smiled. His mother had had lights like that, from the same source.
More of the faeries twined around the pillars of the porch, nestled in among holly garlands and gold ribbon. It was gorgeous, and magical, and for the moment, he forgot about Pavel.

He was home. And home was good.

Originally published at The words of Valerie Griswold-Ford. You can comment here or there.